Residents urge council to approve Blue Valley Crest housing project

Several Overland Park residents spoke during the open public comment period on Aug. 3 urging the council to approve the Blue Valley Crest housing application.

Beth Eland, who said she lives at 8418 West 92nd Terrace and identifies as a Good Faith Network member, told council that "Blue Valley Crest reflects those considerations" of building heights, setbacks and landscaping to create a responsible transition to adjacent neighborhoods. Jennifer Savner Levinson, also identifying with the Good Faith Network, said the site is already connected to goods and services and that adding housing there would allow residents to live closer to work, schools and health care.

Cheryl Jefferson Simbelle, who described herself as a second-career clergy person and former engineer, said the project has undergone technical review for traffic, stormwater and fire access and that staff recommended approval subject to detailed construction conditions. Supporters emphasized workforce and affordable-housing needs locally and asked the council to approve the application when it comes up later on the agenda.